The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and relevant links.

Gangotri Glacial Retreat

This false-color image shows the Gangotri Glacier, situated in the Uttarkashi District of Garhwal in India. Currently 30.2 km long and between 0.5 and 2.5 km wide, Gangotri glacier is one of the largest in the Himalayas, but during the last 25 years, it has retreated more than 850 meters. Gangotri has been receding since about 1780, however, the pace of its retreat has been much more rapid since 1971. Note that the blue contour lines drawn here to show the recession of the glacier’s terminus over time are approximate.